Natural Resources
May 7, 2010Largest Delegation in
Province's History Attends
International Offshore Exhibition and
Conference
Newfoundland and Labrador was
well-represented in Houston this week at the annual Offshore Technology
Conference (OTC) with the largest delegation to date of 73 of the
province's petroleum companies and organizations.
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources,
accompanied 148 delegates from Newfoundland and Labrador to the
conference. The companies and organizations represented at OTC provide
critical services and support to the province's growing industry in key
areas, including research and development, marine science and ocean
technology, detection and surveillance, and ice management.
"We have been participating in OTC for three decades and have witnessed
a huge increase in the number of registrants with 73 locally-based
companies and organizations represented," said Minister Dunderdale.
"This significant jump speaks to the exciting growth of this sector.
With our province's undiscovered resource, there's plenty more
opportunities for future exploration and development."
Throughout the week, Minister Dunderdale had the opportunity to visit
OTC's exhibition area, featuring booths from over 2,400 companies and
organizations. Safety, risk assessment and emergency preparedness were
major topics of discussion during OTC among delegates. The minister also
attended several networking events with key industry representatives.
"OTC is the premiere event to highlight Newfoundland and Labrador's
resource potential, service and supply capabilities and innovative
industry technologies," said the minister. "With our fourth offshore oil
project in development, the expansion of Hibernia's main field and
potential satellite developments, Newfoundland and Labrador's position
in the oil and gas industry is very promising."
Past participation at OTC has resulted in joint ventures and contracts
for many provincial companies and organizations. OTC is an opportunity
to increase international exposure, pursue export opportunities and
facilitate networking opportunities and information exchanges on trends
in the industry.
"This is the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries
Association's 30th year participating in OTC with our largest delegation
ever," said Robert Cadigan, President and CEO. "With the assistance of
our colleagues at the Department of Natural Resources, our members are
supported in their business development efforts in Houston. In addition,
our local expertise and the opportunities that exist in Newfoundland and
Labrador are showcased, which helps attract new players to our
doorstep."
The promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador's growing oil and gas sector
is a key commitment in the province's Energy Plan released in 2007.
Budget 2010: The Right Investments for Our Children and Our Future
includes an additional investment of $160,000 to enable the Provincial
Government to further its marketing efforts at large-scale international
trade shows and exhibitions.
OTC is one of the largest offshore oil and gas shows in the world.
Attendance at this year's OTC returned to previous levels with
approximately 75,000 people representing more than 115 countries.
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Photo #1:The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale,
Minister of Natural Resources, and the Newfoundland and Labrador
delegation at the Offshore Technology Conference, May 3-6, in Houston,
Texas.
Media contacts:
Tina Williams
Communications Specialist
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5777, 728-2837
TinaWilliams@gov.nl.ca |
Deborah Inkpen
Director, Communications and Policy
Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association
709-758-6617
deborah.inkpen@noianet.com |
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2010 05 07
9:50 a.m. |